22 Days Tropical Tapestry

About the destination: Rio de Janeiro, often referred to simply as Rio, is a Brazilian municipality, capital of the homonymous state, located in the Southeast of the country. The largest international tourist destination in Brazil, Latin America and the entire Southern Hemisphere, the capital of Rio de Janeiro is the best known Brazilian city abroad, functioning as a "mirror", or "portrait" nationally, whether positive ly or negatively. It is the second largest metropolis in Brazil, after São Paulo, and the sixth largest in America. It has the epithet of The Wonderful City and the one that is born in it is called carioca. Part of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the main economic, cultural and financial centers of the country, being internationally known for several cultural and landscape icons, such as sugar loaf, corcovado hill with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the beaches of the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, maracanã stadium, the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, the forests of Tijuca and Pedra Branca, the island of Paquetá, The New Year's Eve of Copacabana, the Rio carnival, Bossa Nova and samba. It was the capital of Brazil, from colonial Portuguese until 1960, when the government's office was transferred to the newly built Brasilia. Welcome to this wonderful city, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

About the destination: Puerto Iguazú is a small town located on the Misiones province in the northwest part of Argentina. Puerto Iguazú is the perfect base to visit the Iguazú National Park, the main reason why people visit this town. Puerto Iguazú is a peaceful and nice tourist city with tree lined streets and nature all around. The atmosphere of Puerto Iguazú is really pleasant and authentic. The centre of the city is small, the mains streets are Córdoba and Avenida Aguirre and most of the restaurants, shops, markets and facilities are situated here. The terminal de bus to get to the Iguazú National Park is 5-10 minutes from the centre. At night, the city centre is quite lively, especially on Friday and Saturday night. Iguazú National Park contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the magnificent Iguazú Falls, surrounded by a subtropical forest. The park has great natural importance and ecological wealth. Both sites were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, in 1984. Come visit Iguazú National Park to witness nature at its finest and live an unforgettable experience.

About the destination: The city of Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Approximately 3 million people live in this city. Including the metropolitan area, the total population of Buenos Aires is above 12 million, making it one of the 10 most populated urban centres in the world. Buenos Aires is a huge city, with plenty of neighbourhoods to visit and so much to see and do! The wonderfully colourful neighbourhood right next to the old port of Buenos Aires, La Boca is synonymous with both tango and football. With its multi-coloured houses and taverns, the neighbourhood maintains its tango tradition, football passion, and Italian roots. Today, it is one of the most important cultural centres and tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. Take a walking tour, watch a game at the famous Boca stadium or attend a local tango show. San Telmo, the oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, exudes a special historical vibe. As one of the most important centres during the 19th century, San Telmo has preserved many of Buenos Aires’ architectural landmarks, museums, antique shops and old churches. Puerto Madero is a new neighbourhood full of restaurants and bars. It's nice to walk there in a sunny day, the view is pretty nice.Vibrant, nostalgic, seductive and dynamic, Buenos Aires is a European city with Latin-American flavour. Undoubtedly, a truly fascinating city.

About the destination: Montevideo, situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata, is the pleasant capital city of Uruguay. It is a modern and vibrant city with a lot of interesting places to visit, and some good beaches nearby. In the Ciudad Vieja,the old colonial city, located one side of Bahia de Montevideo, is full of beautiful colonial buildings, Spanish style squares and a number of impressive churches. The Casa Rivera and the Museo de Artes Decorativas should not be missed. At the heart of the district is the Plaza Independencia, with its palm-lined streets, and the somber Mausoleo Jose Artigas crowned by a 30-ton statue of the country's hero. Nearby Plaza Independencia you'll find the Palacio Salvo and the Puerta de la Ciudadela. Museumgoers will enjoy the collections of the Museo de la Historia del Arte and the Museo del Carnaval, which documents Montevideo's 100-year embrace of Carnaval. The Torre Antel offers splendid views of the city from the top. And make sure you take an evening to walk along and admire the sunset from the Rambla along the coast.Montevideo is not only the main city of Uruguay; it is its brain and soul. A friendly place, where you still can walk with no hurry, and everybody has time to have a coffee and a chat with a friend. Small buildings, several beaches, wooded parks and a pretty Old Town seduce the visitors.

About the destination: Nestled in the central valley, Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. As you arrive, the majestic Andes mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the bustling metropolis. Start your adventure in Plaza de Armas, the historic center of the city, where colonial architecture meets contemporary life. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National History Museum to delve into the rich past of this captivating city. For a panoramic view of Santiago, take a funicular ride up to Cerro San Cristóbal. From the summit, the city unfolds beneath you, framed by the distant peaks of the Andes and the urban sprawl. Nearby, the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista invites you to explore its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and eclectic nightlife. Don’t miss La Chascona, one of Pablo Neruda’s intriguing homes, which offers a glimpse into the poet’s eclectic life. Santiago is also a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. Stroll through Mercado Central to taste the freshest seafood or visit the trendy Lastarria district for a more upscale dining experience. Chilean cuisine, with its unique flavors and ingredients, promises to delight your taste buds. Be sure to try local favorites such as empanadas, pastel de choclo, and the world-renowned Chilean wine. Beyond the city's limits, Santiago serves as a gateway to numerous adventures. Head towards the Maipo Valley for an exquisite wine-tasting tour, or take a day trip to the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Santiago’s diverse offerings ensure an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

About the destination: Cuzco, located in the Southern Sierras, is one of Peru's most visited cities. It was once the capital of the Inca dynasty and now it is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the Andean capital of Peru. Cuzco exudes charm and splendour and it is full of character.Cuzco's heart is the Plaza de Armas where you can find the Cathedral and the Compañía de Jesús church, among other remarkable buildings. The architecture of the city is a curious mix of Spanish Colonial built upon Inca ruins and everything else is a unique melange of Spanish and indigenous influences. Exploring Cuzco’s picturesque, narrow, cobblestone avenues is a source of endless fascination. Cuzco is a constant link to the past, it streets are full of colourful costumes, handicrafts shops, remarkable Incan ruins and local flair is everywhere. Hatunrumiyoc is located close to Plaza de Nazarenas, not far from Plaza de Armas. It is a narrow pedestrian street, famous for its Inca walls where huge stones are precisely carved to fit together without mud or concrete. You’ll find the masterpiece, a 12-angled stone, about halfway down the street.Cuzco is the most convenient city from which tourists can begin visits to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and other Inca sites in the region.The city’s fantastic Architecture and the breathtaking natural surrounding makes Cusco a city hard to leave.

About the destination: Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Often mistakenly referred to as the ""Lost City of the Incas"", it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Sun Gate. From here you can see back down each valley offering excellent views. It's a fairly strenuous hike but well worth it. • Temple of the Sun. Near the summit of the main city, the stonework on the temple is incredible. The temple is the absolute pinnacle of this technology. • Intihuatana. A stone carved so that on certain days, at dawn, the sun makes a certain shadow, thus working as a sun dial. • Temple of the Three Windows. • Main Temple. • Temple of the Condor. Clearly the condor was a symbol of cruel justice, but a sanitized version is told for the benefit of middle-aged tourists and their children.